Mudflow at Hohenzollernhaus: Idyllic mountain lake disappeared!

Mudflow at Hohenzollernhaus: Idyllic mountain lake disappeared!

On the night of Tuesday, July 5, 2025, a dramatic mudslide occurred in the Ötztal Alps, near the Hohenzollernhaus. The mud and debris avalanche resulted in an idyllic mountain lake that was about 500 meters above the popular mountain hut being completely buried. How Mercury According to reports, the police closed the valley for three days to secure the situation and ensure that the guests left.

The Hohenzollernhaus, which only opened its season on June 1, 2025, will now remain temporarily closed. Only the hut owners, Daniel Wanek (32) and Marissa Gruber (29), stayed on site to save vital food supplies with an emergency generator. The night's experiences were extremely disturbing for the two of them: At 1:30 a.m. Wanek noticed a power outage and noticed that there was no longer any water flowing in the stream. Sounds of rubble and falling waterfalls indicated the impending mudflow, which confirmed his worst fears when he found the buried lake in the morning.

Cause of the mudflow

A storm with heavy rain, lightning and thunder that began around Monday evening is believed to be the main trigger for the mudslide formation. How tz reported, such events are not new in the region. The section chairman Dominik Dreyer points out that similar rock mass movements were already detected in 2019. The emergency services were alerted by the fire alarm system at 1:17 a.m. when the first signs of the emergency became clear.

Rockslides like this are by no means rare, especially in summer when the earth is saturated with meltwater and precipitation. Mudflows are made up of water, sand, earth and debris and can cause devastating destruction, similar to snow avalanches in winter. Scientists warn that climate change could increase the frequency of such natural events, analyzes show ARD Alpha show. These developments could become increasingly problematic, especially for regions such as the Ötztal Alps, where the stability of the permafrost soils is decreasing.

The consequences for the region

Those responsible are particularly concerned about the Radurschelbach, which now carries a lot of meltwater and could possibly take a new course. This represents an additional risk to the surrounding structures. “We have to monitor the situation closely,” says Dreyer, “the alpine pasture and the residential development further down in the valley are particularly affected.” In the coming days, a geologist will explore the area with a helicopter and prepare a report.

The season in the Hohenzollernhaus was originally supposed to last until September 28, 2025, but the uncertain situation calls its continuation into question. The two hut owners hope that the situation will be clarified quickly, but nature is currently showing its unpredictable side.